HOLLIE’S MUM’S’ STORY

FAYE SUMMERS, 49, is studying holistic therapy and is married to andrew, 46, who is retired from the Forces. She says:

SITTING in that hospital room, Willow gazing up at me, felt like a dream. After more than a decade of trying, I finally had my baby in my arms. And she is my daughter — there’s no doubt about that. My love for her is as powerful as that for my other children.

There is no denying it has been a long, hard road. Each setback felt like a physical blow. I felt in pain not to be able to have another child. Without Hollie’s incredible offer, I know I would still feel that way. I felt guilt, of course, to see her struggling in pregnancy, but she always reminded me she was happy to do it.

I had difficult moments. Watching the plate of biscuits jump off Hollie’s bump as Willow kicked, I desperately missed the feeling of having your child move inside you. And it has been hard to miss out on breastfeeding. Not feeding her myself delayed our bonding. Two weeks ago, I fed Willow expressed milk in a bottle and I felt something change. I was able to nurture her, just as I had my other children.

Our bond won’t be cemented until it’s just Andrew, Willow and I alone together. But that will come with time. For now the five of us love being together. However she came to be born, Willow will grow up surrounded by people who love her. I will always tell her what her amazing sister did. Even thinking about it brings me to tears. I will never be able to thank Hollie enough.